Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context:  The U.S. Department of Energy eliminated the ALARA principle, triggering debate over global radiation safety standards.

• ALARA Principle: Operational philosophy in radiation protection that mandates exposure be kept as low as reasonably achievable, balancing safety, cost, and feasibility.
• LNT Model: Assumes a linear relationship between radiation dose and cancer risk, with no safe threshold.
• Policy Shift: U.S. DOE removed ALARA from its regulatory directives in January, marking a significant departure from long-standing safety norms.
• Scientific Debate: Some experts argue low-dose radiation risks may be overstated; others stress lack of conclusive evidence to replace LNT.
• International Implications: Global bodies like ICRP and WHO continue to rely on LNT, creating possible divergence in regulatory approaches.
• Concerns Raised: Potential weakening of worker protection, regulatory clarity, and public trust.
• Broader Issue: Balancing innovation in nuclear energy with precautionary safety frameworks.

Learning Corner:

• ALARA Principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)

• A radiation protection principle used in nuclear energy, medical radiology, and research.
• It requires that radiation exposure be kept as low as reasonably achievable, considering economic and social factors.
• It does not mean zero exposure, but minimisation below prescribed safety limits.
• It is based on the precautionary approach, assuming some level of risk even at low doses.

• LNT Model (Linear No-Threshold Model)

• A scientific model used to assess radiation risk.
• It assumes that the risk of cancer increases linearly with radiation dose.
• It also assumes there is no safe threshold, meaning even very small doses carry some risk.
• It forms the theoretical basis for radiation safety standards worldwide

Source: THE HINDU

Category: POLITY

Context : India is accelerating inland waterways development to promote green mobility and economic growth.

• Policy Push: Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) laid out a strategic roadmap for expansion.
• Institutional Role: Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) spearheading development of National Waterways.
• Green Transport Advantage: Water transport emits less carbon per tonne-km compared to road and rail.
• Cargo Expansion: Rapid growth in cargo handling; push toward multimodal logistics integration.
• Jal Vahak Scheme: Incentivises cargo owners by offering reimbursement to promote modal shift.
• Regional Focus: Northeast, Kerala backwaters, and Ganga basin identified as growth hubs.
• Tourism Boost: Cruise tourism emerging as a parallel economic driver.
• Strategic Objective: Reduce logistics costs, enhance connectivity, and support regional development.

Learning Corner:

Inland Waterways in India

What are Inland Waterways?

Inland waterways refer to navigable rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks used for transportation of cargo and passengers within a country.

Key Features in India

• India has 111 declared National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
• Managed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• Major operational waterways:
  • NW-1: Ganga–Bhagirathi–Hooghly river system
  • NW-2: Brahmaputra
  • NW-3: West Coast Canal (Kerala)

Importance

• Cost-efficient: Lower cost per tonne-km compared to road and rail.
• Eco-friendly: Lower carbon emissions.
• Logistics efficiency: Reduces pressure on highways and rail networks.
• Regional development: Boosts connectivity in Northeast and hinterland regions.
• Tourism potential: Cruise tourism in Ganga and Kerala backwaters.

Government Initiatives

• Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): Capacity augmentation of NW-1.
• Jal Vahak Scheme: Incentives to promote cargo transport.
• Development of multimodal terminals (Varanasi, Sahibganj, Haldia).
• Integration under PM Gati Shakti for multimodal logistics planning.

Challenges

• Seasonal water level variation
• Siltation and dredging requirements
• Limited private participation
• Inter-state coordination issues

Source:  THE HINDU

Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context: Pakistan conducted airstrikes along the Afghanistan border, escalating regional tensions.

• Military Action: Pakistan claimed targeted strikes against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps.
• Casualty Dispute: Pakistan reported militant deaths; Afghan authorities alleged civilian casualties.
• Geographical Sensitivity: Strikes occurred near the Durand Line — a historically contested boundary.
• Diplomatic Fallout: Afghanistan summoned Pakistan’s ambassador in protest.
• Security Dynamics: Reflects Pakistan’s internal security concerns spilling across borders.
• Sovereignty Debate: Raises questions about cross-border counter-terror operations under international law.
• Regional Stability: Highlights fragile security environment in post-U.S. withdrawal Afghanistan.

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Learning Corner:

Durand Line

What is the Durand Line?

The Durand Line is the international boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan, originally demarcated in 1893 between British India and Afghanistan.

Historical Background

• Named after Sir Mortimer Durand, the British diplomat who negotiated the agreement.
• Signed in 1893 between British India and Amir Abdur Rahman Khan of Afghanistan.
• Length: Approximately 2,640 km.
• After the 1947 partition, Pakistan inherited this boundary.

Why is it Controversial?

• Afghanistan has historically not fully recognized the Durand Line as a permanent international border.
• The boundary divides Pashtun tribal populations, creating ethnic and political sensitivities.
• Cross-border militant movement has intensified disputes.
• Frequent border clashes and diplomatic tensions occur.

Strategic Significance

• Critical to Pakistan’s security doctrine.
• Central to Afghanistan–Pakistan relations.
• Important in the context of Taliban governance and regional stability.
• Influences India–Afghanistan–Pakistan geopolitical dynamics.

Source: THE HINDU

Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context: Brazil’s President Lula called for Global South unity during his India visit amid tariff pressures.

• Trade Concerns: India and Brazil were among the most heavily tariffed countries by the U.S.
• Call for Collective Bargaining: Lula advocated formation of negotiating blocs instead of bilateral negotiations.
• Global South Leadership: Both countries positioning themselves as voices of developing nations.
• UNSC Reform Agenda: India and Brazil pushing for permanent membership under G4 grouping.
• BRICS Coordination: Cooperation on trade, finance, and geopolitical issues.
• Economic Cooperation: Agreements on critical minerals, steel, and digital partnership.
• Strategic Significance: Strengthens multipolar world order narrative.

.Learning Corner:

India–Brazil Relations

Overview

India and Brazil share a Strategic Partnership (since 2006) based on South–South cooperation, multilateralism, and reform of global institutions.

Political & Multilateral Cooperation

• Founding members of BRICS.
• Members of G4 (India, Brazil, Germany, Japan) advocating UNSC reforms.
• Strong coordination at WTO, G20, and climate negotiations.
• Voice of the Global South in development and trade issues.

Economic Relations

• Bilateral trade includes crude oil, sugar, soybeans, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.
• Cooperation in energy, biofuels (ethanol), and critical minerals.
• Scope for expansion in digital economy and defence manufacturing.

Defence & Strategic Cooperation

• Collaboration in defence training and aerospace.
• Shared interest in maritime security in the Indo-Pacific and South Atlantic.

Areas of Convergence

• Multipolar world order.
• Reform of Bretton Woods institutions.
• Climate justice and sustainable development.
• Counter-terrorism cooperation.

Challenges

• Geographical distance limiting trade potential.
• Limited connectivity and logistics links.
• Trade imbalances and tariff issues.

Significance for India

• Strengthens India’s outreach in Latin America.
• Enhances Global South diplomacy.

Source: THE HINDU

Category: POLITY

Context: Prime Minister launched the full Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor to boost regional connectivity.

• Project Scale: 82-km high-speed regional rapid transit system completed.
• Implementation Agency: National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
• Speed Advantage: Designed for higher average speeds than Metro; suitable for inter-city commuting.
• Multimodal Integration: Linked with Indian Railways, Delhi Metro, bus terminals, and key hubs.
• Economic Impact: Expected to boost NCR economic integration and reduce housing pressure in Delhi.
• Environmental Benefit: Reduction in vehicular traffic and carbon emissions.

Future Plans: Additional RRTS corridors proposed toward Haryana and Rajasthan

Learning Corner:

Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)

What is RRTS?

The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is a high-speed, high-frequency regional rail network designed to connect major urban nodes within the National Capital Region (NCR).

Key Features

• Designed speed: up to 180 km/h (operational speed lower).
• Higher average speed than Metro systems.
• Longer inter-station distance compared to city metros.
• Focused on inter-city/regional commuting.
• Seamless multimodal integration (Metro, Railways, Bus).

Implementation

• Implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
• First corridor: Delhi–Meerut (82 km).
• Part of India’s broader infrastructure modernization strategy.

Significance

• Reduces congestion and travel time in NCR.
• Promotes transit-oriented development.
• Lowers carbon emissions.
• Boosts regional economic integration.

Source: THE HINDU

(UPSC GS Paper III – Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment)

Context (Introduction)

By early 2026, India has transitioned from being the “world’s back office” to a strategic nerve centre for multinational corporations through Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which now drive global strategy, R&D, AI innovation and intellectual property creation.

Main Arguments

• Evolution to GCC 4.0: Indian GCCs have evolved through four waves—from labour arbitrage and routine IT services to end-to-end product ownership. In the current GCC 4.0 phase, centres lead global product lifecycles, architecture design and deployment, marking a shift from cost centres to growth engines.
• Leadership in Deep-Tech and Agentic AI: Nearly 58% of GCCs are investing in Agentic AI—autonomous AI systems capable of reasoning and executing complex tasks. Indian centres now drive high-end R&D in quantum computing, semiconductor design and AI security, creating proprietary intellectual property and assuming shadow leadership roles.
• Scale and Global Value Chain Integration: India hosts over 1,800 GCCs employing nearly two million professionals. These centres function as global Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in finance, legal, HR and digital strategy, integrating India deeply into global value chains and enabling “follow-the-sun” innovation cycles.
• Employment and Regional Development: The GCC boom has generated high-value, knowledge-intensive jobs with global compensation standards. Expansion into Tier-II and Tier-III cities such as Coimbatore, Indore and Kochi reduces pressure on Bengaluru and Hyderabad while stimulating local infrastructure, real estate and service sectors.
• Strategic Economic Transformation: The shift from services outsourcing to innovation-led growth aligns with India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy. GCCs enhance export of high-end services, boost technology diffusion and strengthen India’s position in global supply chains.

Challenges / Criticisms

• Widening Talent Gap: Although India produces millions of engineers, demand for niche skills—AI security, cloud architecture, quantum-resistant cryptography—far exceeds supply. This has triggered wage inflation, potentially eroding India’s cost advantage.
• Cybersecurity and Data Risks: Handling critical global data has made GCCs prime targets of cyber-attacks. India-based centres account for 13.7% of global cyber-attack incidents (Cyfirma Report, 2023). With the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, compliance costs and governance pressures have intensified.
• Fiscal and Tax Uncertainty: The OECD’s Global Minimum Tax (Pillar Two) with a 15% floor tax reduces tax arbitrage benefits. India’s 24% markup under Safe Harbour rules for software R&D adds to fiscal unpredictability, affecting board-level investment decisions.
• Geopolitical Volatility and Protectionism: U.S. tariff volatility, reshoring policies and rising digital sovereignty concerns in Western nations could slow new GCC investments. Protectionist tendencies threaten cross-border data flows and digital trade.
• Overdependence on Services: Excessive reliance on high-end services without parallel manufacturing depth may expose India to global demand shocks and technological disruptions.

Reforms and Policy Directions

• National GCC Policy Framework: Effective implementation of the proposed 2026–27 GCC Policy is critical. A dedicated Single-Window Clearance system can streamline legal and regulatory processes.
• Rationalised Transfer Pricing and Tax Certainty: Providing safe harbours for R&D-intensive operations and clarity on markup norms will enhance fiscal predictability and investor confidence.
• Deep Tech Skill Ecosystem: Strengthen industry–academia collaboration, expand AI and semiconductor research centres, and incentivise specialised skilling in cybersecurity and quantum technologies.
• Cybersecurity Strengthening: Invest in national cyber resilience architecture, promote zero-trust frameworks, and mandate robust data governance standards aligned with DPDP provisions.
• Tier-II Expansion Incentives: Offer capital subsidies and infrastructure support to decentralise GCC growth, ensuring balanced regional development and reduced urban congestion.

Conclusion

India’s GCC revolution represents a structural shift from labour cost arbitrage to innovation-led economic leadership. Sustaining this transformation requires proactive policy facilitation, deep-tech skilling, fiscal stability and robust cybersecurity. If strategically managed, GCCs can anchor India’s aspiration to become the world’s innovation capital.

Mains Question

1. India’s Global Capability Centres have evolved from cost-arbitrage units to strategic innovation hubs. Examine their contribution to India’s economic transformation and analyse the challenges that could hinder their long-term sustainability. (15 marks, 250 words)

Source: The Hindu

(UPSC GS Paper II – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; GS Paper III – Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Security challenges)

Context (Introduction)

India’s entry into the U.S.-led Pax Silica alliance marks a strategic shift toward securing critical minerals and AI infrastructure supply chains, aligning technological ambitions with geopolitical strategy amid rising techno-nationalism and global supply chain fragmentation.

Main Arguments

• Securing Critical Minerals and Semiconductor Ecosystem: Pax Silica complements India’s domestic initiatives such as the India Semiconductor Mission, IndiaAI Mission and National Critical Mineral Mission. Given India’s limited extraction and processing capacity in lithium, cobalt and rare earths, alliance-based access to raw materials and advanced equipment strengthens supply security.
• Integration into Trusted Technology Ecosystems: The alliance seeks to create “trusted ecosystems” for AI infrastructure and semiconductor manufacturing. India’s participation could help shape global standards on AI governance, export controls and tech security, enhancing its normative influence.
• Shifting the Global Manufacturing Centre of Gravity: India’s massive domestic demand and engineering talent can justify non-China supply chains. By providing assembly capacity and skilled workforce, India can become a pivotal node in diversified global value chains, reducing overdependence on China.
• Geopolitical Weight and Democratic Tech Governance: India’s inclusion enhances the coalition’s legitimacy in promoting democratic governance of critical technologies. As a major Global South actor, India can bridge developed and developing world concerns on technology access and standards.
• Economic Growth and Industrial Upgradation: Access to advanced semiconductor fabrication equipment and AI hardware can catalyse domestic manufacturing, attract FDI, and promote high-value employment, aligning with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives.

Challenges / Criticisms

• Risk of Chinese Retaliation: China remains a major trade partner and a dominant player in critical mineral processing and APIs. Economic retaliation—through trade restrictions or input disruptions—could affect Indian industries.
• Strategic Autonomy Concerns: India traditionally follows “issue-based alignments” rather than rigid alliances. Pax Silica’s export-control regimes and technology-transfer guardrails may constrain policy flexibility and strategic autonomy.
• Regulatory and Domestic Political Backlash: If alliance norms begin influencing India’s domestic AI governance framework, it may attract criticism for external policy shaping, raising concerns over digital sovereignty.
• Compliance Burden on Indian Firms: Stricter security audits and export control compliance may increase costs and entry barriers for MSMEs seeking integration into global value chains.
• Implementation Risks: The alliance’s credibility depends on building a complete supply chain—from mining and refining to chip fabrication and AI deployment—within member states. Without tangible infrastructure, the bloc risks remaining declaratory.

Reforms / Way Forward

• Calibrated Strategic Engagement: India must negotiate flexible participation clauses that preserve strategic autonomy while leveraging economic benefits.
• Domestic Capacity Building: Invest in mineral processing, semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs), and AI hardware ecosystems to reduce overdependence on imports.
• Supply Chain Diversification: Parallel engagement with Quad, IPEF and Global South partners can reduce vulnerability to geopolitical retaliation.
• Regulatory Balance: Develop a sovereign AI governance framework that aligns with democratic norms without appearing externally imposed.
• MSME Support Mechanisms: Provide fiscal incentives and compliance assistance to smaller firms adapting to stricter security and audit standards.

Conclusion

Pax Silica offers India an opportunity to anchor itself in emerging AI and semiconductor supply chains while shaping democratic technology governance. However, strategic autonomy, economic resilience and domestic capacity enhancement must guide participation to prevent long-term dependency or geopolitical entanglement.

Mains Question

1. India’s participation in technology alliances such as Pax Silica reflects the growing convergence of geopolitics and critical technology supply chains. Analyse the opportunities and risks associated with such alignments for India’s strategic autonomy and economic security. (15 marks, 250 words)

Source: The Hindu